Pygmy Boat Building Classes

We are excited to offer classes for people who want to learn how to build a beautiful Pygmy wood kayak from experienced builders. Our courses are set in a fun group setting, at the Northwest Maritime Center, located on the water in Port Townsend, Washington.  This is a great, hands on opportunity to learn how to assemble a Pygmy kayak from founder and designer, John Lockwood.  Over the six day course students will complete major assembly of their kayak.  At the conclusion of the class your kayak will be ready to be car-topped home, where the final construction steps and varnish application will be completed. The 2011-2012 classes we have currently scheduled are listed below. To register call us at (360) 385-6143, 9am-5pm (Pacific Time) Monday-Saturday.  Hope to see you there!

Boat Building Class Schedule:

Feb. 6th-11th, 2012: Build Your Own Solo Kayak

Tuition: $750 for primary student $375 for student helpers

This class was originally a Coho class. We've had some last minute cancellations and have decided to open this up to any solo kayak of choice. For help choosing a design give us a call at (360) 385-6143, or send an e-mail to info@pygmyboats.com.

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April 30th-May 5th, 2012: Build Your Own Pinguino 145

Tuition: $750 for primary student $375 for student helpers

Back by popular demand, we're doing another Pinguino class! A great light touring & recreational kayak, these popular and versatile kayaks offer plenty of comfort, speed and stability. Perfect for casual day paddles, weekend touring, cruising rivers, lakes, ponds, wetlands, fishing, bird watching, photography, and gunkholing the coast line. Click here to read more about the Pinguino 145. To register, call us at (360) 385-6143, Monday-Saturday 10am-5pm. Hope to see you there!

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Class Details

Class Schedule
Classes are given over a six day period, each day beginning at 9 am and running until about 5 pm.  Students will enjoy expert instruction and the use of the NW Maritime Center's beautifully equipped shop space. 

Cost
The tuition for attending a class is $750 for primary students, student helpers pay $375.  In addition to the tuition students need to purchase the kit they will be constructing during the class.  For kit pricing click here: Price list.  Please note, each student's kit will be prepped by Pygmy Boats for class. The prep work required precludes students from bringing their own previously purchased kit with them to a class.  If you have previously purchased a kit, and wish to participate in a class give us a call to discuss your options. 

Tools to bring
It is best for students to work with their own tools during class. Tools you should bring with you include:

If you have any questions about the required tools please give us a call: (360)385-6143

Where to Stay:
Port Townsend is a beautiful, historic seaport town.  There are several hotel and bed & breakfast options to choose from for accommodations.  For a listing of hotels please visit: http://www.ptguide.com/

Getting Your Boat Home:
Your kayak will be ready to car-top back to your home shop at the conclusion of the class.  Be sure your vehicle is capable of securely transporting a kayak, and that you have straps and line available.  Pygmy Boats and the Maritime Center will not be able to store your boat for you, or provide shop space for you to complete construction.

Completing Your Boat:
At the conclusion of class you will have completed several of the major construction steps required to assemble your Pygmy kayak, but you will still have some work to do before you can start paddling.  It is suggested that you have an indoor or covered work space available to complete the final steps of construction. You will likely have gained all the skill and confidence you will need to complete construction of your boat without further assistance.  However, if you do have questions while working at home our expert construction advisers are available to assist you by phone or e-mail.

If You Need to Cancel:
Please notify us right away if you need to cancel.  We are not able to refund tuition or boat kit payments if a cancellation occurs within 15days of your scheduled class.

If We Need to Cancel:
Pygmy Boats Inc. reserves the right to cancel a class in the event of emergency or low registration.  If we cancel a course you will be refunded your tuition and boat kit money.